Wood VDN logo

Vibration, dynamics and noise

formerly BETA Machinery and SVT

Menu

Services

Acoustic-Induced Vibration (AIV) Analysis

(Acoustic-Induced Excitation Analysis)

Acoustic Induced Vibration (AIV)  (Acoustic Induced Excitation)

Acoustic-induced vibration can cause piping failure at pressure reducing valves, safety valves or other pressure drop areas in a piping system. This study is recommended for gas systems where pressure reducing valves are located. It can also be part of Wood's Piping Vibration and Integrity Assessment (AVIFF) (per Energy Institute Guidelines for the avoidance of vibration induced fatigue failure, 2008).

Speak to a specialist

1 Background

Pressure reducing devices can generate high acoustic energy that excite the pipe shell vibration modes. This acoustic-induced vibration (AIV) leads to fatigue failure in the process piping or nearby small-bore connections and generates broadband sound radiation in the range of 500 Hz to 2000 Hz.

Figure 1 illustrates piping shell modes that are excited by acoustic-induced energy. Shell mode vibration causes small-bore piping to vibrate.

Unless controlled, AIV results in catastrophic piping failures (Figure 2).

The internal acoustic energy can also create external noise that affects operator safety (hearing loss). 

Piping shell mode due to acoustic-induced vibration on piping Example of acoustic-induced vibration piping failure

Figure 1. Example of Piping Shell Mode due to AIV on piping
 

Figure 2. Example of AIV piping failure. Source: Chemical and Process Technology 2009
2 Common Problem Areas

AIV occurs in a compressible flow stream such as gas or two phase piping systems.

The AIV study is typically performed for:

  • Relief valves
  • Blowdown valves
  • Restrictive orifice plates
  • Pressure reducing valves
  • Recycling valves
  • Control valves
  • High flow rate piping
  • Concern over external noise levels

Small-bore connections, also called branch attachments, such as welded supports are most at risk. The broadband excitation causes the locations to be resonant, resulting in cracking and fatigue failure.

AIV fatigue failure may occur in a very short period of time (minutes to hours).

3 Wood's Design Approach

Sound Power Level (PWL) refers to the acoustic energy generated by flow through a pressure reducing valve or device. The Acoustic-Induced Vibration Study (AIV design study) calculates the PWL and determines if the piping system is sufficiently strong to resist AIV fatigue. If necessary, changes are made to either the PWL or the piping system.

For a new project, the Engineering Company (EC) or Owner asks Wood to:

  • Evaluate the piping system;
  • Identify AIV sources and high risk areas; and
  • Recommend modifications to the piping system, valves or other solutions to reduce dynamic stress levels.

There are two approaches for evaluating AIV:

  1. Eisinger or ‘D/t’ Method. This is approach is used to check for piping against acoustic fatigue by comparing the Diameter/Thickness ratio to empirical design limits. The design limits are a function of the PWL as established by Eisinger, Carucci & Mueller, and NORSOK Standard. 
  2. Energy Institute Guidelines (2008). This method checks locations such as branches and welded attachments. The PWL is calculated in a similar manner to the D/t method, but there are some differences in how the fatigue limit is derived. 

Wood can meet whichever of the above two approaches the customer prefers. Specialized software is used to improve the quality and efficiency of the analysis, ensuring the project is completed quickly and on budget.  

For new systems such as Centrifugal Compressor Systems customers often conduct both the Acoustic-Induced Vibration (AIV) Study and the Flow-Induced Vibration (FIV) Study to ensure that both excitation sources are properly addressed. 

If you are involved in the design or operation of high pressure systems, contact Wood for application support relating to AIV and other vibration issues. 

4 Wood's Field Services

Contact Wood should you suspect problems in your piping system due to AIV. Our field engineers can provide onsite support to assist with measuring and resolving piping vibration issues. 

Shell mode piping vibration - Acoustic-Induced Vibration
Figures illustrate examples of shell mode piping vibration (longitudinal and circumference) 
5 Related Information
6 Related Services
7 Keywords

Acoustic-Induced Excitations

Back to top


More Info

Free webinar

Webinar

Learn how to solve complex vibration problems with advanced troubleshooting techniques to keep your facility running smoothly, with minimal downtime.
Watch now


BETA Machinery Analysis logo
SVT Engineering Consultants logo
Contact Us Privacy ©2024 Wood